Hey, Joe! What Do You Know?

Joe Jackson’s article in the August 1 edition of the Sunday Independent takes us back to the Gabriel Byrne of 1988 and 1992, using interviews from the past to reflect on the Gabriel Byrne of today.

What is most fascinating about these interviews is the thematic thread that runs through them like a line of dark silk: the personal struggle to achieve artistically, to overcome insecurities and depression, and to become whole.

For those of us who only know the Gabriel Byrne of today, through the documentary Stories From Home or his interviews with Gay Byrne and others about his experiences growing up in Ireland, this article can be startling. Mr. Byrne has been telling us about his life, sharing his life, for a long time:

“Ten years ago I was in Dublin devoid of hope,” he muses. “Now, you and I are sitting in Beverly Hills doing this interview . . . and that to me is an indication that dreams, ambitions . . . can be realised. If someone is reading this, as I used to read interviews, I want them to say, ‘He did it, so can I’, whatever they are reaching for, tell them go for it. If you and I can get that ray of hope across to even one individual, that makes this whole exercise worthwhile. I used to do interviews where they’d ask mindless, tedious questions but now I realise that, like here today, we can . . . hopefully communicate something of worth, and importance, to somebody out there.”

Gabriel Byrne was inspirational then, and he continues to inspire today. Thanks, Joe, for the reminder.

Read the entire article, visit the Joe Jackson Journalist website, where you can pick up a PDF of the interview, and talk to Joe at his Facebook page. Some fans have rather severe opinions about Joe’s article on Mr. Byrne. Others think that it is refreshing to read an interview in which direct questions are asked and answered honestly and articulately.

Hmmm… Well, in the beginning – for most of the article, actually – Gabriel and Joe almost seemed to be buddies; they were communicating well on some level, and it seemed they were on the same page. But then, towards the end, Gabriel appears to have thought differently about the whole effing thing (he seems to be a bit of a loose cannon with his language), and turned the other cheek on Joe. We don’t really know why; but Gabriel is an actor and aciors get paid to pretend to be all kinds of psople that they’re not. If any of us were to meet him, talk with him for awhile would you be inclibed to believe anything he tells you, or not?
I wouldn’t know, because I don’t know him.
But, regardless I will put this much in his corner: he’s HOT.;)

interesting point Alicen. but I don’t think that actors prentend more that anyone else in their daily lives. we all, as social beings, “act” when with other people, and we adapt our behaviour according to those people. but I do think that this does say a lot about who we are. but from what I’ve read of him and what other people say, he seems to be a pretty honest guy.

Stella, keep up great work, as usual. You are in fact the usual suspect when it comes to great work! Alicen, you make some good points there. I’ve just put the entire transcripts of both my now legendary Gabriel interviews into a booklet, not finished yet, with the back story in more detail, my diary entries, photos of Gabriel and that thirty second clash we had was a merely ‘the drink talking’ or rather shouting. Gabriel and I have met on many occasions since, and neither of us find it necessary to even raise the subject. And now that I’ve re-read 20,000 words we did I see we were uncannily in tune, he remains one of my favourite interviewees of more than a thousand

can’t say how happy to have this site. since the beginning been in lust with this man. starting to rewatch his movies usual suspects so go sad he had to die but he does it rather well don’t you think well bye for now have to feed the grandson,(never ending that) kim

Came upon this little tid-bit about Joe Jackson. Thought you might like to read it.
The Irish Times on Joe Jackson

‘Jackson is a tenacious interviewer. Just as his subjects start to relax, he throws them that question from hell you wouldn’t have the nerve to ask, “Tell us abut the wife-beating, Richard” – this, more or less to Richard Harris whose self-deprecating halo was starting to glint. “Is killing children in Warrington part of your peace strategy?’ – that, paraphrased, to Gerry Adams…Match him against someone he believes is a hypocrite and he enters the fray like a latter-day Danton. Ben Briscoe, then Lord Mayor of Dublin, storms off in a huff when Jackson queries his remarks on homosexuality and Charles J. Haughey. But men like musician Christy Moore, writers Tom Murphy and Paul Durcan, open their hearts because they sense they can trust him – and you never doubt it. Jackson’s research is impeccable, his commitment is everywhere.”
(Medb Ruane, The Irish Times.)

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Welcome to the home of Gabriel Byrne on the web, the place to discover news, events, photos, videos, and more about this inspiring, gifted, and eloquent artist. His passion for his craft has intoxicated us all. Enjoy!

Byrneholics Online is a fan site devoted to the actor, writer, producer, and activist GABRIEL BYRNE.

Active since 2008, we are an archive of resources spanning the entire career of this inspiring artist. We are by fans, for fans.

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